Our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI will celebrate the 60th Anniversary of his Priestly Ordination on June 29, the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul. In honor of his anniversary, the Vatican Congregation for Clergy suggested Catholic clergy and faithful be invited to participate in Eucharistic Adoration with the intention of praying for the sanctification of the clergy and for the gift of new and holy priestly vocations.
Archbishop Timothy Dolan of New York highlighted the importance of this celebration: “An increase in number and sanctity of the priests in service to our dioceses is a sign of health and vitality in the Church,” he said. “Prayer for vocations is ‘a worthy intention’ and an appropriate spiritual sacrifice in gratitude for the example and service of Pope Benedict XVI.”
“This is an exceptional opportunity to give thanks for our Holy Father, to pray for all of our priests, and to ask the Lord for more vocations to the priesthood,” said Archbishop Robert J. Carlson of St. Louis, chairman for the Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations. “The Holy Father has been an outstanding model of priestly ministry and service to the Church. In his Message for the World Day of Prayer for Vocations, he reminded the faithful that we all have a responsibility to pray for vocations. This is a great opportunity to do just that.”
We will have this day of prayer at Salem on Thursday, June 30th, the Vigil of the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (which is also the Worldwide Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of the Clergy). In addition to our regular 7:00 pm Holy Hour in preparation for First Friday, we will have Solemn Eucharistic Adoration following the 8:15 am Holy Mass until Benediction at the conclusion of the 7:00pm Holy Hour.
Praying for vocations to the Priesthood and for the sanctification of the clergy is very important! Why? Without Priests, there would be no Holy Mass, no parishes or Parish Organizations, no Parish School, etc. Therefore, 2 or more representatives of the following parish organizations are to be present in church during the following hours of Eucharistic Adoration:
9:00 – 10:00 am …………… The Christian Mothers
10:00 – 11:00 am …………. . The Catholic Foresters
11:00 – 12 noon ……………… The Legion of Mary
12:00 – 1:00 pm …………… The Christian Mothers
1:00 – 2:00 pm …………………. The Altar Society
2:00 – 3:00 pm ………… St. Mary School Faculty
3:00 – 4:00 pm ………… St. Mary School Children
4:00 – 5:00 pm ……………… Jr. Christian Mothers
5:00 – 6:00 pm …… St. Mary F.A.S.T. Organization
6:00 – 7:00 pm …….. St. Mary Knights of Columbus
7:00 pm Public Holy Hour …… ALL PARISHIONERS!